Major investments in places that need it the most

The Coca-Cola Company has been an integral part of the European economy for more than 100 years. In the EU, Coca-Cola’s bottling system currently runs 80 plants in 24 countries, and employs about 44,200 individuals across the continent. Coca-Cola’s indirect economic impact is much higher due to the very local nature of its supply and distribution chains. From the farmers growing beets in France or apples in Central Europe, to the small corner shop serving Coca-Cola beverages in Spain or Italy, Coca-Cola supports more than 512,000 jobs throughout Europe. Coca-Cola and its bottling partners contribute €3 billion to the European economy through local salaries, tax payments and profits, and the company’s supply chain supports almost €33 billion in economic value added to the continent.

In Greece, Coca-Cola’s bottling partner Coca-Cola Tria Epsilon invested €24 million to expand its Schimatari plant based on international standards. Upon its completion in autumn 2016, Schimatari will be the 7th largest production unit across Coca-Cola Hellenic Group operations in 28 countries. Schimatari will produce the total juice volume for the company, 96% of soft drinks volume, and distribute 67% of the company’s sales volume. Additionally, all of the company’s export activity will take place at the enhanced Schimatari plant.

In Southern Italy, Coca-Cola Hellenic invested over €2 million in a co-generation structure in the Marcianise plant to strengthen its existing operations there where it employs more than 300 individuals. This co-generation structure implements an energy infrastructure that will allow the plant to use clean energy, thereby reflecting Coca-Cola’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

In France, the bottling partner Coca-Cola Enterprises invested €217 million from 2009 to 2014 and an additional €30 million in 2015 for the construction of the Grigny production plant, an investment in the heart of the French economy. Over the past three years in The Netherlands, The Coca-Cola System has invested €90 million for the renovation of the production plant in Dongen. The plant will increase its production capacity to produce 120,000 cans, 100,000 plastic bottles and 55,000 glass bottles per hour, while employing 400 people.